Community invited to Parks Grand Opening in Round Lake Beach

The Round Lake Area Park District invites the community to a Grand Opening Celebration on June 11 at Sports Center Park and North Shore Park.

The free event will celebrate the new additions at the parks, completed in late 2021. The Grand Opening Celebration will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at Sports Center Park, 2004 Municipal Way, and North Shore Park, 1991 N. Orchard Lane, Round Lake Beach.

Bring the whole family out to this free event, which will feature special give-aways; carnival games for the kids; a DJ playing music: and popcorn courtesy of First American Bank. Serna's Grill and Tropical Chill food trucks also will be on hand to sell treats.

This Sports Center Park project added a new, accessible splash pad, sand volleyball court, pickle ball/tennis courts, bocce ball area, outdoor fitness equipment, a rain garden, and a small loop connecting all the amenities. In addition, the project includes a relocated full- size soccer field with natural grass surface. The new splash pad opened Memorial Day weekend and has been a hit with families.

For the Sports Center Park project , the Park District received a $400,000 matching grant, part of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant Program which provides matching dollars for outdoor recreation space projects throughout Illinois. The Park District matched that amount, as required by grant guidelines, with funds from the capital development budget.

"Thanks to IDNR and their OSLAD Grant opportunities, we are able to provide the community with additional great outdoor recreation activities that include volleyball, tennis/pickleball, a free splash pad, fitness equipment and a bocce court for everyone including our Special Recreation champions," said Superintendent of Parks Ane Olivares.

Over at North Shore Park, the District replaced the old skate park and added a new BMX track.

"In 2001 we built the original skate park, basketball courts and BMX track and 20 years later it was time for an upgrade," Olivares said. "We redesigned the park with the help from ARC (American Ramp Company) and the Round Lake Area community. The BMX track was outfitted with all new obstacles and a pump track, and the new skate park features a variety of vert ramps that include a bowl and street skate options."

Bring your skateboard or bike to try out the new skate park and BMX track. Or put on a swimsuit and cool off in the splash pad. There's something for everyone at these new facilities!